Service marks 250th anniversary since birth of Portsmouth cobbler John Pounds

Yesterday marked 250 years since he was born in Portsmouth and people gathered at the John Pounds Church to commemorate him.

After the service, which had readings and hymns, a wreath was laid at the memorial next to the church on High Street, in Old Portsmouth.

Mr Pounds, who was known as the ‘crippled cobbler,’ was born in the 19th century and helped educate and feed poor children in Portsmouth at his cobbler workshop.

Stephen Crowther led the service which was attended by about 50 people yesterday morning.

He said: ‘We laid the wreath in remembrance of John Pounds who was the most inspiring of humble men.

‘We gave thanks for the life and works of John Pounds.’

During the service, money was collected which will be donated to the John Pounds Trust.

The trust carries on the work of Mr Pounds and helps disadvantaged children in Portsmouth by paying for education needs such as books, travel expenses and materials. It was started in 1957 although the original trust was founded in 1898 – several years after Mr Pounds death in 1839.

Chairman of the trust Michael Cato said: ‘The legacy of John Pounds’ life’s works continues to inspire the work of the trust.

‘We help with financial grants for children who need it just like John Pounds did when he was alive.’